The Absents

The Absents are a four-piece synth-pop and modern disco-pop band hailing from Brighton, on the south coast of the United Kingdom. The lineup consists of Elliot Kane (vocals), Ryan Whitford (keyboards & production), Callum Price (bass guitar & synth bass), and Jamie Harlow (guitar & backing vocals). The four met in 2018 at a local music festival, where a late-night jam session revealed a shared passion for blending the melodic elegance of 80s synth-pop with the energy and polish of modern pop production. Deeply influenced by the infectious hooks and emotive energy of Erasure, The Absents quickly began writing together, crafting songs that pair bright synth textures with tight bass grooves and subtle funk undertones. Their early rehearsals took place in a modest studio near Brighton’s seafront, a space that soon became their creative sanctuary and the birthplace of their signature sound. In 2019, the band released their debut single, which found its way onto local radio playlists and began circulating through London’s club scene. Known for their vivid light shows, charismatic stage presence, and danceable, high-energy sets, The Absents built a reputation as one of the most exciting new acts in the UK’s pop landscape. Today, The Absents continue to bridge nostalgia and modernity, reaching audiences far beyond the British Isles. Elliot’s commanding yet soulful vocals, Ryan’s shimmering synth arrangements, Callum’s deep, driving grooves, and Jamie’s melodic guitar lines come together to create a live experience that is as unforgettable as it is electrifying.